Server equipment

Abstract

To improve charging efficiency of power supply batteries of power supply vehicles.SOLUTION: A server device is provided, comprising a communication unit and a control unit configured to communicate with vehicles using the communication unit. The control unit acquires information on a first power purchase price from a charging base and a second power purchase price from a facility, and responds to a case where the second power purchase price is lower than the first power purchase price by sending an instruction to a power supply vehicle supplying power to another vehicle to take a travel route passing through the facility.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device.

Background Art

[0002] When an electric vehicle (EV) or the like driven by a battery runs out of power during movement, that is, enters a power shortage state. Various technologies have been proposed to solve or avoid such a situation. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for charging a vehicle in a power shortage state from another vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A power supply vehicle for supplying power to a vehicle in a power shortage state needs to charge a battery for power supply before power supply, but there is room for improving the charging efficiency of the battery for power supply.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a server device and the like that can improve the charging efficiency of a power supply vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The server device in the present disclosure includes a communication unit and a control unit that communicates with a vehicle through the communication unit. The control unit acquires information on a first power purchase price from a charging base and a second power purchase price from a facility, and when the second power purchase price is lower than the first power purchase price, sends an instruction to the power supply vehicle that supplies power to other vehicles to move the moving route via the facility.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] The server equipment and other devices described in this disclosure will enable an improvement in the charging efficiency of power supply vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of a vehicle management system configuration. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the operating procedure for a server device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle management system in one embodiment. The vehicle management system 1 has one or more server devices 10, a power supply vehicle 12, and a facility 13, each connected to each other via a network 11 in a manner that enables information communication. The server devices 10 are, for example, server computers belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system, and function as servers that implement various functions. The power supply vehicle 12 is a passenger car or commercial vehicle equipped with communication functions and information processing functions, and is connected to the network 11 via a mobile communication network. The power supply vehicle 12 is equipped with a battery 15 as a power source for supplying power to other vehicles that are out of power. The power supply vehicle 12 is, for example, a gasoline car, or a vehicle powered by the battery 15, such as an electric vehicle (BEV; Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV; Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV; Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV; Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), etc. The power supply vehicle 12 may be driven by a driver or its operation may be automated to any level. The facility 13 is a residence, commercial facility, etc., equipped with communication and information processing functions, and capable of supplying its own electricity through self-generation or selling surplus electricity to the power grid. The network 11 is, for example, the internet, but includes ad hoc networks, LANs, MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks), other networks, or any combination thereof.

[0011] In this embodiment, the vehicle management system 1 is a system for assisting in the on-site charging of vehicles such as BEVs, HEVs, and PHEVs (hereinafter referred to as "power-depleted vehicles") that have run out of power, by a power supply vehicle 12. On-site charging is a method of supplying power by having the power supply vehicle 12 move to the location of the power-depleted vehicle and charge the battery of the power-depleted vehicle from the battery 15 of the power supply vehicle 12. In the vehicle management system 1, the server device 10 has a communication unit 101 and a control unit 103 that communicates with the communication unit 101. The control unit 103 acquires information on the purchase price of electricity from charging stations and the purchase price of electricity from facilities 13, and when the purchase price of electricity from facilities 13 is lower than the purchase price of electricity from charging stations, it sends an instruction to the power supply vehicle 12 to move along a route that goes through facilities 13 to supply power to the power-depleted vehicle. Since the power supply vehicle 12 passes through facility 13 when rushing to charge a vehicle that has run out of power, it is possible to purchase the necessary amount of power from facility 13 at a lower cost than from a charging station, without having to stop at a charging base such as a power supply station. Therefore, it is possible to improve the charging efficiency of the power supply battery 15 of the power supply vehicle 12.

[0012] Next, an example of the configuration of the server device 10 will be described. The server device 10 has a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 103. The server device 10 is, for example, a single computer. Alternatively, the server device 10 may consist of two or more computers that are connected in a way that enables information communication and operate in cooperation. In that case, the configuration shown in Figure 1 can be appropriately arranged on two or more computers.

[0013] The communication unit 101 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 101 receives information used for the operation of the server device 10 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the server device 10. The server device 10 is connected to the network 11 by the communication unit 101 and communicates information with the power supply vehicle 12 and the facility 13 via the network 11.

[0014] The storage unit 102 includes, for example, one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these, which function as main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The RAM is, for example, SRAM (Static RAM) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The ROM is, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). The storage unit 102 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 103 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 103.

[0015] The control unit 103 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processors are, for example, general-purpose processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) or dedicated processors such as GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuits are, for example, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). The control unit 103 controls each part of the server device 10 and performs information processing related to the operation of the server device 10.

[0016] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by executing a control program on a processor included in the control unit 103. The control program is a program that causes a computer to execute the processing steps included in the operation of the server device 10, thereby realizing the functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control program is a program that causes a computer to function as the server device 10. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the server device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 103. In addition, the control program may be stored in a non-transient recording / storage medium readable by the server device 10, and the server device 10 may read it from the medium.

[0017] Next, an example of the configuration of the power supply vehicle 12 will be described. The power supply vehicle 12 has an on-board device 14 and a battery 15. The on-board device 14 has a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a control unit 123, a positioning unit 124, an input unit 125, an output unit 126, and a detection unit 127. One or more of these units may be configured as a single control device, or they may be configured as a personal computer including a tablet terminal, a smartphone terminal, or a navigation device. Alternatively, each unit may be connected to communicate information via an in-vehicle network compliant with standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network). Each unit of the on-board device 14 is configured to operate using the battery 15 even when the power supply vehicle 12 is parked and the accessories are turned off. The battery 15 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0018] The communication unit 121 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interfaces are, for example, interfaces compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. The communication unit 121 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 123 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the control unit 123. The control unit 123 is connected to the network 11 via a mobile communication base station by the communication unit 121 and communicates information with the server device 10, etc., via the network 11.

[0019] The storage unit 122 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The storage unit 122 functions, for example, as a main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The storage unit 122 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 123 and information obtained by the operation of the in-vehicle device 14.

[0020] The control unit 123 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. While controlling each part of the in-vehicle device 14, the control unit 123 executes information processing related to the operation of the power supply vehicle 12.

[0021] The positioning unit 124 includes one or more GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers. GNSS includes, for example, at least any one of GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), BeiDou, GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and Galileo. The positioning unit 124 acquires the position information of the power supply vehicle 12.

[0022] The input unit 125 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen provided integrally with a display, or a microphone that accepts voice input. The input interface may further include a camera that captures an imaging image or an image code, or an IC card reader. The input unit 125 accepts an operation of inputting information used for the operation of the control unit 123 and sends the input information to the control unit 123.

[0023] The output unit 126 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 126 outputs the information obtained by the operation of the control unit 123.

[0024] The detection unit 127 has an interface with one or more sensors that detect the state of various parts of the power supply vehicle 12, or it has one or more sensors. The sensors include, for example, a sensor that detects the remaining battery level of the battery 15, and a sensor that detects the motion state of the power supply vehicle 12 (speed, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, deceleration, etc.). The detection unit 127 sends information indicating each state detected by the sensors to the control unit 123.

[0025] The functions of the control unit 123 are realized by executing a control program on the processor included in the control unit 123. The control program is a program that causes the computer to execute the processing steps included in the operation of the control unit 123, thereby realizing the functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control program is a program that causes the computer to function as the control unit 123. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control unit 123 may be realized by dedicated circuits included in the control unit 123.

[0026] Next, an example of the configuration of facility 13 will be described. Facility 13 includes a control device 16, a distributed power supply 17, and a charge / discharge device 18. In facility 13, the control device 16 supplies power obtained from the distributed power supply 17 to power loads within facility 13, and the charge / discharge device 18 supplies power to vehicles, etc.

[0027] The control device 16 includes a power conditioner and has a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a control unit 123, a positioning unit 124, an input unit 125, an output unit 126, and a detection unit 127. One or more of these units may be configured as a single control device, or it may be configured as a personal computer including a tablet terminal, a smartphone terminal, etc.

[0028] The communication unit 161 includes one or more communication interfaces. These communication interfaces are, for example, LAN interfaces that can connect to home or private network areas (LANs), or interfaces compatible with mobile communication standards. The communication unit 161 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 163 and transmits information obtained through the operation of the control unit 163. The control unit 163 is connected to the network 11 by the communication unit 161 and communicates with other devices via the network 11.

[0029] The storage unit 162 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. Semiconductor memories are, for example, RAM or ROM. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The storage unit 162 functions, for example, as a main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. The storage unit 162 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 163 and information obtained through the operation of the control unit 163.

[0030] The control unit 163 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or ASIC. The control unit 163 controls each part of the control device 16 and performs information processing related to the operation of the vehicle running out of power.

[0031] The input unit 165 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interfaces are, for example, physical keys, capacitive keys, pointing devices, touchscreens integrated with the display, or microphones that accept voice input. The input unit 165 accepts operations to input information used for the operation of the control unit 163 and sends the input information to the control unit 163.

[0032] The output unit 166 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interfaces are, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 166 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 163.

[0033] The detection unit 167 has an interface with one or more sensors that detect the state of various parts within the facility 13, or it has one or more sensors. The sensors include, for example, a sensor that detects the amount of power generated from the distributed power source 17 or the remaining amount of stored power, and a sensor that detects the power supplied by the charge / discharge device 18 to vehicles, etc. The detection unit 167 sends information indicating each state detected by the sensors to the control unit 163.

[0034] The distributed power source 17 includes power generation equipment using alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power, fuel cells, storage batteries, etc., and their control circuits.

[0035] The charging and discharging device 18 is a charging and discharging stand installed within the facility 13, and includes a charging and discharging stand that can charge the battery 15 of the power supply vehicle 12 with power obtained from the distributed power source 17 when the power supply vehicle 12 is electrically connected to it.

[0036] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation related to the server device 10 issuing an instruction for on-the-spot charging to the power supply vehicle 12. The procedure in Figure 2 is executed by the control unit 103 of the server device 10. The procedure in Figure 2 is executed when the server device 10 determines that on-the-spot charging is necessary for a vehicle with depleted battery power. For example, the server device 10 determines the need for on-the-spot charging when it receives a power supply request from another vehicle such as a BEV, HEV, or PHEV, or when it detects a vehicle with depleted battery power based on the battery level of each vehicle collected from other vehicles. The determination of a vehicle with depleted battery power is made by each vehicle or by the server device 10. For example, a vehicle is determined to be with depleted battery power when its battery level falls below a certain SOC (State of Charge) value.

[0037] In step S201, the control unit 103 obtains the required power supply amount, power supply location, and power supply time. The control unit 103 sends information requesting this information to the power-depleted vehicle and obtains the information sent from the power-depleted vehicle in response. If the control unit 103 determines that multiple vehicles are power-depleted, it identifies one power-depleted vehicle using an arbitrary algorithm. For example, the power-depleted vehicle that was determined to be power-depleted first is identified. The required power supply amount is the amount of power required for the power-depleted vehicle to reach an arbitrary reference remaining amount, and is sent from the power-depleted vehicle. The arbitrary reference remaining amount is, for example, an arbitrary SOC value between 80% and 100%. The power supply location is the current location of the power-depleted vehicle and is used as the destination for the power supply vehicle 12. The power supply time is the time at which power supply should begin, as determined by the power-depleted vehicle. The power supply time is, for example, a time brought forward by an arbitrary power supply duration from the scheduled start time of travel set for the power-depleted vehicle, and is sent from the power-depleted vehicle to the server device 10. Alternatively, the power supply time may be specified by the crew of the vehicle that has run out of power and sent to the server device 10.

[0038] In step S202, the control unit 103 selects a power supply vehicle 12 to which charging should be performed. The control unit 103 obtains location information and battery level information for each power supply vehicle 12 from the power supply vehicle 12. The control unit 103 sends a request for location information and battery level information to one or more power supply vehicles 12 via the communication unit 101. In response, the onboard device 14 in the power supply vehicle 12 sends out its own location information and battery level information. This information is sent out along with identification information for each power supply vehicle 12. The battery level information is, for example, the SOC value of the battery 15. The control unit 103 then selects the power supply vehicle 12 with the maximum battery level within an arbitrary distance range from the power supply location. This arbitrary distance range is, for example, the distance range from the current time to the power supply time that can be reached when traveling at the legal speed limit.

[0039] In step S203, the control unit 103 derives a travel path for the power supply vehicle 12. The travel path is, for example, a path that allows the power supply vehicle 12 to reach the power supply location in the shortest distance or shortest time from its current position. The server device 10 derives the travel path using map information and an arbitrary algorithm.

[0040] In step S205, the control unit 103 derives candidate power supply locations. Candidate power supply locations are, for example, facilities 13 or power supply stations within an arbitrary distance range from the travel route. The distance range is the distance range within which the power supply location can be reached by the power supply time even if the travel route is deviated from. The storage unit 102 stores the locations of one or more facilities 13 and power supply stations in association with map information, and the control unit 103 uses this information to derive candidate power supply stations.

[0041] In step S206, the control unit 103 obtains information on the purchase price of electricity. For example, if the candidate power supply location is facility 13, the control unit 103 requests information from the power system server of the district in which facility 13 is located, regarding the price at which facility 13 can sell electricity to the power system, that is, the purchase price at which the power supply vehicle 12 will purchase electricity. If the candidate power supply location is a power supply station, the control unit 103 requests information from the server of the district in which the power supply station is located regarding the method of purchasing electricity when receiving power. The control unit 103 receives the information that each server sends in response to the request.

[0042] In step S207, the control unit 103 selects the power supply location with the lowest electricity purchase price from among the candidate power supply locations.

[0043] If the electricity purchase price from one facility 13 is the lowest and facility 13 is selected as the power supply location (Yes in step S208), the control unit 103 determines the transaction price in step S209 and contacts facility 13. For example, the control unit 103 sets a transaction price that is greater than or equal to the electricity purchase price from facility 13 and less than the electricity purchase price of the lowest power supply station, using an arbitrary algorithm. For example, the average of the electricity purchase price from facility 13 and the electricity purchase price from the power supply station is set as the transaction price. If the electricity purchase price increases or decreases depending on the time of day, the control unit 103 may set the transaction price using the electricity purchase price during the time when the power supply vehicle 12 is scheduled to arrive at facility 13. The control unit 103 then sends information to the control device 16 of the selected facility 13 to encourage the sale of electricity at the transaction price. This information may include the time when the power supply vehicle 12 is scheduled to arrive and purchase electricity. Such information may include, for example, a string of characters indicating that electricity will be purchased at the transaction price. When such information is output by the control device 16 at facility 13, the user of facility 13 inputs information indicating acceptance or rejection accordingly. The input information is then sent from the control device 16 to the server device 10.

[0044] If the sale of electricity at the transaction price is approved (Yes in step S210), the control unit 103 determines in step S212 a modified travel route that goes through facility 13. On the other hand, if the sale of electricity at the transaction price is not approved (No in step S210), the control unit 103 removes facility 13 from the list of candidate power supply locations in step S211 and returns to step S207, then selects the next facility 13 or power supply station with the lowest electricity purchase price as the power supply location, and repeats steps S209 and S210.

[0045] In step S212, if facility 13 is selected as a power supply location, the control unit 103 determines a modified travel route that passes through facility 13. Alternatively, if facility 13 is not selected as a power supply location (No. in step S208), the control unit 103 determines a modified travel route that passes through the nearest power supply station or the one with the lowest electricity purchase price.

[0046] In step S213, the control unit 103 sends a movement instruction to the power supply vehicle 12. The control unit 103 sends an instruction to the selected power supply vehicle 12 to move to the power supply location, along with the movement route determined in step S212. The power supply vehicle 12 starts moving in response to this instruction, or outputs the content of the instruction to the occupant and starts moving through the occupant's operation, and moves to the power supply location. The power supply vehicle 12 then stops at the power supply location, i.e., facility 13 or power supply station, along the movement route, and can receive power from facility 13 at the agreed-upon power selling price, and from power supply station at the power purchase price when receiving power at that power supply station. In this way, it is possible to optimize the cost when the power supply vehicle 12 performs on-site charging. In other words, it is possible to improve the charging efficiency of the power supply battery of the power supply vehicle.

[0047] In step S209, the control unit 103 may, when determining the transaction price, set a transaction price that is close to or matches the electricity purchase price from the facility 13, using arbitrary weighting. Doing so makes it possible to purchase electricity for the power supply vehicle 12 at a lower cost.

[0048] As described above, embodiments have been explained based on various drawings and examples, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions, etc., included in each means, each step, etc., can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple means, steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1. Vehicle Management System 10 Server devices 11 Network 12 Power supply vehicles 13 facilities 14 Onboard equipment 15 batteries 16 Control device 17 Distributed power supply 18 Charge / discharge device 101, 121, 161 Communications Department 102, 122, 162 storage section 103, 123, 163 Control Unit 124 Positioning Unit 125, 165 Input section Output section 126, 166 127, 167 Detection unit

Claims

1. Communications Department and, The aforementioned communication unit has a control unit that communicates with power supply vehicles, vehicles running out of power, charging stations and facilities, The control unit acquires information on a first electricity purchase price from a charging station and a second electricity purchase price from a facility different from the charging station. When the second electricity purchase price is lower than the first electricity purchase price, it transmits a third electricity purchase price to the facility that is equal to or greater than the second electricity purchase price but lower than the first electricity purchase price. The control unit acquires information from the facility confirming acceptance of purchasing electricity at the third electricity purchase price. The control unit then sends an instruction to the vehicle to pass through the accepted facility on its travel route, with the power supply location of the vehicle running out of power as its destination. Server device.

2. In Claim 1, If the facility does not accept the third electricity purchase price, the control unit removes the facility from the list of candidates for power supply locations and obtains the next lowest first electricity purchase price or the second electricity purchase price. Server device.

3. In claim 2, The control unit determines a third electricity purchase price from the average of the first electricity purchase price and the second electricity purchase price. Server device.

4. In claim 2, The control unit determines the third electricity purchase price based on the time characteristics of the second electricity purchase price. do, Server device.

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